Automatic interlocking contact mechanism for electric-railway systems.



No. 857,058. PATENTED JUNE 18, 1907.

F. HEDLEY, J. S. DOYLE & H. WALLERSTEDT. AUTOMATIC INTERLOCKING CONTACT MECHANISM FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAY SYSTEMS.

APPL ouxon rum) SEPT 1.190s.

8 BHEBT8-SHEET 1.

54 1 I vow F016 q Vvbm eases PATENTED JUNE 18. 1907. LLERSTBDT.

P. HEDLBY, J. S. DOYLE & H. WA AUTOMATIC INTERLOGKING CONTACT MEG HANISM FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAY SYSTEMS. APPLIOATION FILED BEIT.11,1906.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

1 r I l 1 II ll Ill 1 I x I I I I l llll I t gmvawliom q/Vi/W case 0 WW M m No. 857.058. PATENTED JUNE 18. 1907 P. HEDLEY, J. S. DOYLE & H. WALLERSTEDT. AUTOMATIC INTERLOCKING CONTACT MECHANISM FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAY SYSTEMS. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 11. 1905.

3 SHEETS-SHEBT 3.

UNITED Q STATES PATENT ()FFICE.

FRANK HEDLEY, JAMES S. DOYLE, AN 1) llJAliMAlt WAlJLlCltSTEDT, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 18, 1907.

Application filed September 11, 1906. Serial No. 277,855.

To ctZZ wiwm it may (JON/6877b.

Be it known that we, F RANK TTEDLEY, JAMES S. DOYLE, and HJALMAR WAL En- STEDT, citizens of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Automatic Interlocking Contact Mechanisrn for Electricdt ailway Systems, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to automatic interlocking contact mechanism for electric railway systems.

The object of the invention is to provide a contact mechanism for electric railway sys tems which is simple in construction and efficient in operation, whereby electric cars can be interchangeably operated on roads where the current carrying conductors are not in uniform relation or position with respect to the track rails of the various portions of the system, or of various systems.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanism, of the character and for the purpose referred to, which is automatic in action so as to bring the proper contact member into position for use as the car passes from one track to another.

A further object is to provide a plurality of contacts each. adapted for use in connection with a particular arrangement and location of the current carrying conductor, and respectively adapted to be brought automatically into proper position for use.

A further object is to provide a mechanism, of the class and for the purpose mentioned, wherein the various contact members are connected with interlocking mechanism whereby the operation of placing one contact member into operative position, positively locks and holds another contact member out of operative relation.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists substantially in the construction, con'ibination, location, and rela tive arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully herein after set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, and to the various views and reference signs appearing thereon :Figure l, is a view in side elevation of a car, its track rails, and ourrent su 'iplying mnductor showing an automatic interlocking contact mechanism ap plied to the car, and embodying the principles of our invention, the car being shown in position to pass from one portion of the road or system, having its current supply conductor arranged in a particular location, with respect to the track rails, to another portion of the road or system, having its current supply conductor arranged in another, and different, relation and location with respect to its track rails. Fig. 2, is a broken detail view in transverse section, of a portion of the car trucks, showing the relative location and arrangement of the parts, with one of the contact devices in contacting relation with respect to its cooperating current carrying conductor. Fig. 3, is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing another contact dcvicc inv operative position. Fig. 4 is a view in side elevation of an automatic interlocking contact mechanism embodying our invention. Fig. 5, is a view in transverse section, on the line 5, 5, Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows. 6, is a view similar to Fig. 5, on the line 6, 6, Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows, and showing the parts in. a difl'crentposition, as compared with that of Fig. 5.

The same part is designated by the same reference sign wherever it occurs throughout the several Views.

In the operation of electric railway systems, and especially where current is sup plied. to the motor on the on r through a con tact device carried by the car and making electric contact with a current carrying conductor arranged in convmiient relation with respect to the road, it is frequently desirable to operate the same car over different por tions of the same system, or over roads of d iflerent systems, where the current carrying conductor is not in uniform relation with respect to the road-bed throughout such system or systems. For instance, over a por tion of a road or system, or in the case of different systems, the conditions may be such as to require the current carrying conductor to be of a given height above the track rails, and a given distance from the track rails, whereas, in other portions of the road, or system, or in other systems, such conductor may be required to be of a different height above the track rails, and at a different distance therefrom. In other words the current car- 1' ing conductors no not occupy uniform lo- Fig.

cations, with respect to the track rails, in different railroad systems, nor, frequently, in the various portions of the same system. In such cases it is desirable to provide the car with contact mechanism so constructed and arranged that, when the car is operating over one portion or section of a system, or over one system, the contact device, in cooperative relation with respect to the conductor of that portion, section or system, will be in commission, while, when the car is operating over another portion, or section, or system, having a conductor occupying a different location with respect to the track rails, another contact device will be placed in commission. And it is desirable, under the conditions of rough usage to which electric railway cars are subjected, that when one contact device is placed in commission, the other contact device is automatically placed out of opera tive position, and out of the danger of forming an undue obstruction to the operation of the car. It is also desirable to provide an interlocking system whereby, when a contact device is out of commission, it is positively locked in its retracted position, and maintained in such position, being automatically released from such locking or detaining means when required to be again placed in commission.

To the attainment of these various objects and purposes, and in a most simple and eflicient manner, our present invention is directed.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, reference sign A, designates, somewhat diagrammatically, a car; B, the track rails; C, the truck wheels operating thereon and D,

E, the current carrying conductors of different portions or sections of a railway system, or of different systems, and which are, with respect to each other, arranged at different distances from the track rails, and at different heights above the track rails.

In the particular exemplification of our invention, as shown in the drawings, but to which our invention is not to be limited or restricted, the current carrying conductors are of the third rail type, such as are commonly employed in connection with elevated, underground, and sometimes in surface railroad systems. As shown, for the purposes of illustration of our invention, the conductor D, is arranged nearer to the track rails, and

rises higher above such rails than the con-- ductor E. In order to enable a car to be operated along a road, or a section thereof, equipped with a conductor rail having the location and relation of conductor rail D, and, also, when desired, along a road, or a section thereof, equipped with a conductor rail having the location of conductor rail E, we provide, in accordance with our invention, a contact mechanism including the contacts or shoes F, G, having such relation and relative location and arrangement as that the contact or shoe F, cooperates with a conductor rail having the arrangement and location of conductor rail I), and the contact or shoe G, cooperating with conductor rail E. These contacts or shoes F, G, in the particular form and arrangement shown in the drawings as an embodiment of our invention, but to which our invention is not to be limited or restricted, are separately pivoted, whereby they may be separately swung or rocked out of cooperative relation with respect to their respectively cooperating conductors, and, in accordance with our invention, we provide means, presently to be described, whereby, when one of said contacts is rocked or swung upwardly out of the way, when not required for use, it is automatically and positively held or locked in such withdrawn position, while, at the same time, the other contact is released and is permitted to rock or swing into operative position.

Upon a beam H, or other convenient or suitable part of the car truck, or body, is mounted a bracket or casting J, and which carries or supports the pivotally mounted contacts. In the particular form shown, to which, however, our invention is not to be limited or restricted, we mount independent pivot pins or studs K, L, in depending arms M, of the bracket or casting J. The contact F, is carried by, or formed with, arms N, which are sleeved upon pin or stud K, to rock or swing thereon, while, similarly, the contact G, is carried by, or formed with, arms 0, which are sleeved upon pin or stud L, to rock or swing thereon.

In order to economize space and secure compactness, the contact designed to cooperate with the conductor which is located nearest the track rails is arranged to rock or swing inside of the other contact and its car-- rying arms. Thus, in the .construction shown, the arms 0, which carry the contact G, are separated from each other through a considerable distance, see Fig. 4, and the contact F, and its carrying arms N, are arranged to rock or swing within this space.

Many specifically different arrangements of means may be employed for positively locking or retaining the contacts in their retracted or raised positions when not required for use. We have shown simple and. efficient devices for accomplishing this result, but to which, however, our invention is not to be limited or restricted. In the particular form shown the carrying arms 0, or other convenient part of contact G, are provided or formed with engaging lugs or shoulders I with which engage the hooked ends of arms R, pivotally supported on studs or pins -S,\ mounted in ears T, of bracket or casting J. Springs A are arranged to exert their pressure upon the hook arms R, so as to maintain the hooked ends thereof in position to engage over the shoulders or lugs P. By pivotally mounting the hook arms and exerting a yielding pressure thereon, a sullicient range of movement of such bolts or arms is secured to insure the automatic engagement of the hooked ends thereof over the shoulders or lugs I, when the contact G, is rocked or swung upwardly into retracted position, as clearly shown in Fig. 6. In order to prevent the hooked ends of the members R from dropping too low down when the contact G, is released therefrom and lowered, said arms R, are provided with tail extensions B, which, in conjunction with a depending flange C, or other convenient part of the casting or bracket J, constitute limit stops for limiting the extent of downward rocking movement of said arms, while, at the same time, permitting a sullicient extent of up Wardly rocking movement of said arms to enable the hooked ends of the latter to disengage from the lugs or shoulders I whereby to release the contact G. This result is accomplished by the rising movement of the contact F. By reference to Fig. 4, it will be seen that the end extremities of contact F, extend slightly under the inner side edges of the hook members R, and, consequently, when the contact F, is raised into retracted position, the hooked members R, are ongaged thereby and rocked or swung out of engaging relation with respect to the contact G, thereby releasing the latter and permitting it to rock or swing downwardly into cooperative relation with respect to its conductor E, as clearly shown in Fig. 5. In order to positively lock or restrain the contact F, in its raised or retracted position, we provide the carrying arms N, thereof with de pending lugs or shoulders I), with which engage cooperating lugs or shoulders E, formed on the hubs of the carrying arms 0, of the contact G, whereby, when the latter is lowered into position for use the lugs or shoulders E, engage behind the lugs or shoulders D, on the arms N, and hence, so long as the Contact G, occupies operative po sition, as shown in Fig. 5, the contact F, is positively held and maintained in raised or retracted position.

If desired, and in order to limit the extent of upward swing of the contact F, we propose to provide an abutment therefor, such abutment, in the form illustrated in the drawings, being a bent or flanged plate F, suitably secured to the bracket J, and depending into convenient position and relation to form a stop or abutment for said contact F. Similarly, in order to limit the extent of downward swing or movement of said contact F, we provide the hubs of the carrying arms N, thereof with upwardly extending lugs or projections G, arranged to abut against the inner side of the flange C, of bracket or casting J. Thin shims or plates II, may be.

placed upon or removed from said flange t. or flange stop F, to secure the desired range of adjustment.

'lhe contacts F, and G, may be ;\'icldingly held or maintained in operative position in any suitable or convenient manner, and against which yielding tension said contacts are moved when raised into retracted position. tions may be devised for accomplishing this object and purpose, and, while we have shown a simple arrangement for accomplishing the desired object, we do not desire to be limited or restrictrxl thereto. In the particular form shown, the contact G, or the supporting frame or arms thereof, are acted upon by the spring pressure of springs J, suitably coiled upon the pivot pin or stud L, and each having one of its ends bearing against a convenient part of the contact supporting or carrying flilll'lfi, and the other end bearing against the pivot pin or stud K. 'lhus it will be seen that when the contact G, occupies its operative position, as shown in Fig. 5, it is yieldingly held in such position by the pressure of springs J, thereby insuring ellicient electrical contact between said contact G, and its cooperating conductor E. It will also be seen that when said contact is raised or swung into retracted position, when not required for use, as seen in Fig. 6, such movement is against the action of spring J, the tension of which is constantly exerted thereon in a direction to return or restore said contact to operative position when it is released from the engagement of the hook members or arms R. In the case of contact F, we mount coil springs K, upon pivot pin or stud K, each having one end engaging a convenient part of the frame which supports or carries the contact F, as clearly shown in Fig. -11, and the other end connected to a collar L, loosely sleeved upon said pivot pin or stud K. These collars .11, are each provided with a depending extension or projection M, with which engages a lug or shoulder N, on the hubs of arms 0, of contact G, see Fig. 6. From this construction and arrangement it will be seen that when contact G, is raised into retracted position, as seen in Fig. 6, the lugs or shoulders N, engage the depending extensions M, of collars ill thereby moving said collars rotatively upon their supporting pins or studs and in a direction to cause the coil springs li, to exert their pressure in increased effect upon the contact F, to maintain the same yieldingly in ellicient electrical contact with its cooperating conductor D. W'hen, however, the contact G, is lowered into operative position, as seen in Fig. 5, the lugs or shoulders N, are withdrawn from engagement with the extensions M, and, as a result, the tension exerted by springs K, upon the frame or carrying arms of contact F, is relieved by the reverse rota- Many specifically dill'erent construc-' tive movement thereby permitted of the collars I1 and hence enabling the contactF, to be rocked or swung upwardly out of the way and into retracted position, without the necessity of effecting such movement against the action of the springs. Any suitable or convenient arrangement may be employed for positively rocking or swinging the contacts F, or G, upwardly out of the way when not required for use or when it is desired to shift the car from one track, or portion of the system, to another, or from one system to another. And, if desired, this result may be accomplished automatically, and many devices may be employed to that end.

WVe have shown a simple construction and arrangement for accomplishing the desired objects, to which, however, we do not desire to be limited or restricted, wherein, at the point where a car is to pass from a track having one arrangement or relation of conductor, to another track having a different relation and arrangement of conductor, we interpose an inclined section indicated at P in Figs. 1, 2, & 3, of the drawings, and having sufii cient elevation, in the inclination thereof, to effect the raising of the one contact and the positive locking of the same in raised position, and the consequent release of the other contact to permit it to assume its proper operative position.

It is believed that the operation of the device will be readily understood from the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, but such operation will be briefly described. Assuming the parts to be in the positions thereof indicated in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5, with the contact G, in operative relation with respect to its cooperating conductor E, and it is desired to run the car upon a track having a current supply conductor with the relation and arrangement indicated at D, the contact G, encounters the inclined section P and is there by rocked or swung upon its pivot stud or support into raised position, as indicatedin Figs. 3 and 6, and in dotted lines in Fig. 5. The hooked ends of arms R, engage automatically over the shoulders or lugs P, to lock the contact G, in raised or withdrawn position. At the same time the rising movement of contact G, withdraws lugs E, from engagement with lugs or shoulders D thereby releasing the contact F, from its raised or withdrawn position and permitting the same to rock or swing down into operative position, as seen in Figs. 3 and 6, and in dotted lines in Fig. 5. The same rising movement of contact G, also imposes increased tension on springs K, by the rotative movement imparted to the collars L through the engagement of the lugs N, with the extensions or lugs M, on said collars. If it is desired to change from an operative position of contact F, to an-operative position of contact G, the

said contact F, is similarly rocked or swung into raised or withdrawn position by a similarly inclined section P and by engaging the under surfaces of the hooked ends of arms R, said ends are forced out of engagement with the lugs or shoulders P, thereby releasing the contact G, from its detaining means and permitting the same to rock or swing into operative position in contact with its con ductor E, while at the same time relieving the tension exerted by springs K upon the contact F.

Vhile we have shown our invention as ap plied to railway systems employing a third rail for the current carrying conductor, we do not desire, as above indicated, to be limited or restricted in this respect.

Many variations and changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts might readily occur to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of our invention. I/Ve do not desire, therefore, to be limited or restricted to the exact details of construction and arrangement shown and described. But

Having now set forth the object and na ture of our invention, and a construction embodying the same, and the purpose function and mode of operation thereof, what we claim as new and useful, and of our own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In an electric traction system, the combination with a plurality of current supply conductors arranged out of alinement with each other, of a plurality of separately pivoted contacts, respectively cooperating with said conductors, and means whereby when one contact'moves into operative position with respect to its conductor, the other is positively retracted.

2. In an electric traction system, the combination with a plurality of independent current supply conductors arranged out of alinement with each other, of a plurality of separately pivoted contacts respectively cooperating with saidconductors, and means whereby when one of said contacts occupies coopera tive position with reference to its conductor the other is positively locked in retracted position.

3. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a plurality of separately pivoted contacts having cooperating engaging lugs or shoulders, whereby, when one of said contacts moves into operative position another is moved out of operative position.

4. The combination with a plurality of contact rails arranged at different distances from the running track and at one side thereof, of a contact mechanism, means for moving said contact mechanism into operative relation with respect to one or the other of said contact rails, and a pivoted hook associated with said contact mechanism to hold side of the running track, of a contact mechthe same out of operative relation with re 1 spect to one ol said rails and in operative relation with respect to the other ol" said rails.

5. In an electric traction system, the combination with a plurality of conductors arranged. out of alinement with each other, of a contact mechanism for cooperation with said conductors, means for actuating said. contact mechanism into cooperative relation with re spect to one or the other of said. conductors, and a spring impelled. hook associated with said contact mechanism to lock or hold the contact mechanism out of operative relation with respect to one of said conductors and in operative relation with respect to the other of said conductors, and means for automatic ally disengaging said hook.

6. In an electric traction system, the com bination with a plurality of contact rails arranged at different distances from the running track and at one side thereof, of a con tact mechanism, means normally tending to yieldingly maintain said contact mechanism in cooperative relation with respect to one or another of said. contact rails, a pivoted hook associated with said contact mechanism and operating to positively lock the same out of cooperative relation with respect to one of said contact rails and in position to cooperate with another of said rails, and means for antomatically releasing said hook'.

7. In an electric traction system, the combination with a contact rail arranged at one side of the running track, of a contact mechanism carried by the car andv including a contact member, means normally acting to yieldingly maintain said contact member in cooperative relation with respect to saidv contact rail, a pivoted hook associated with said contact mechanism, and operating to positively lock said contact member out of operative relation with respect to said. contact rail, and means for automatically releasing said hook.

8. In an electric traction system, the combination with. a contact rail, arranged at one anism carried by the car and including a movable contact member, means normally acting upon said contact member to maintain the same in cooperative relation with respect to said contact rail, means for n'ioving said contact out of cooperative relation with respect to said rail, a pivotally mounted spring actuated hook associated with said contact mechanism and operating to maintain said. contact member in retracted position with respect to said rail, and means for automatically releasing said hook.

9. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a supporting bracket or casting, a plurality of contact members pivotally mounted upon independent pivots to rock or swing thereon, one of said contact members operating within the other.

10. In an electric traction system, the combination with track rails, and current supply conductors arranged alongside ol' said rails but at ditl'ercnt distances therefrom, of contact members respectively cooperating with said conductors, and a bracket having separate pivot pins upon which said contacts are respectively pivoted.

11. In an electric traction system, the combination with track rails, and current supply conductors arranged. alongside said rails but at ditl'erent distances therefrom, of a plurality of separately pivoted. contacts respectively cooperating with said conductors, means t'or locking one ol said contacts in retracted or inoperative position when the other contact is in operative position, and means whereby when such other contact is moved. into re tracted position said locking means are released.

12. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a supporting bracket or casting, a contact member having carrying arms pivotally mounted on said bracket or casting, and a second contact member also pivotally mounted on said bracket or casting and a 'anged to rock or swing within the space between said carrying arms.

13. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a support, a plurality of contact members separately pivoted thereon, one of said contact members extending a greater distance from said support than the other, and interlocking mechanism between said members whereby when one of said members is moved into operation position the other is moved into inoperative position.

14. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a support, a contact member pivotally mounted thereon, a locking device arranged to engage said contact member when the latter is moved into retracted position, to retain the same in such position, and a second contact member also pivotally mounted on said support, and arranged, when moved into re tracted position to release said locking device.

15. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a support, a contact member pivotally mounted the/ream, and prrwided with. an engaging shoulder or projection, a second contact member also pivotally mounted on said support. and provided with a cooperative shoulder or projection with which said tirst mentioned shoulder or projection engages when said first mentioned contact member is in operative position, whereby said second contact member is positively retained in re tracted position.

16. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a support, a contact member pivotally mounted thereon, a retaining device arranged to engage said member and lock the same in retracted position, a second contact member also pivotally mounted on said support, said retaining device being arranged in IOC IIO

the path of swinging movement of said second contact member whereby, when said sec ond contact member is moved into retracted position said retaining device is released.

17. I11 a contact mechanism for electric cars, a support, a contact member pivotally mounted thereon, a spring arranged to exert its tension upon said contact member, said spring having a loose mounting upon said support, and a second contact member also pivotally mounted upon said support and arranged when moved to engage said loose mounting whereby to relieve the tension of said spring.

18. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a plurality of separately pivoted contact members, a spring arranged to exert tension upon one of said members and means operated by the movement of the other of said members for relieving said spring pressure.

19. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, aplurality of separately pivoted contact members, a spring having one end engaging one of said members, a loosely mounted collar with which the other end of said spring engages, and a lug or projection connected to the other of said contact members and arranged to engage'said collar, when said member is moved to retracted position to impose increased tension of said spring on the other of said contact members.

20. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a support, a pin or stud mounted there-- in, a contact member mounted to rock or swing upon said pin or stud, a collar loosely mounted upon said pin or stud and provided with a lug or extension, a spring mounted on said pin or stud and having one end engaging said contact member and the other engaging said collar, and a second contact member pivotally mounted upon said support and having a lug or extension arranged to engage the lug or shoulder on said collar.

21. In a contact mechanism for electric cars, a support, pins or studs mounted therein, arms sleeved to rock upon each of said pins or studs, contact members carried by said arms, a detachable lock device, arranged to automatically engage one of said contact members to retain the same in retracted position, and engaging means respectively carried by said contact means for retaining the other of said contact members in retracted position.

22. In an electric traction system, the combination with track rails, and current supply conductors arranged alongside said rails but at different distances therefrom, of a support, independent pivot studs carried by said support, contact members pivotally supported upon said studs and having their contact faces arranged to operate at different distances, from said support, and respectively cooperating with said conductors, and means for yleldmgly mamtammg said 0011- 1 tact members respectively in operative position.

23. In an electric contact device for electric cars, a support, a plurality of contact members separately pivoted thereon, and having their contact surfaces at different distances from said support, means for automatieally moving said contact members out of operative position, and means whereby, when a contact member is moved out of operative position, the other member is permitted to move into operative position.

24. In an electric traction system, the combination with track rails, and current supply conductors arranged alongside said rails but at dillerent distances therefrom, oi separately pivoted contact members having their contact faces respectively cooperating with said conductors, means normally operating upon each member to maintain the same in contact with its corresponding conductor, and means whereby when one contact member is in operative position the other is positively locked in retracted position.

25. In a system of the character described a plurality of separately pivoted contact members means normally operating upon said member to maintain the same in operative position, means arranged alongside the track rails for automatically moving the member occupying operative position into retracted position, and means whereby when one member is in operative position the other is positively retained in retracted position. 1

26. In a system of the character described, a plurality of separately pivoted contact members, means normally operating upon each member to maintain the same in operative position, means for automatically moving the member occupying operative position, into retracted position, means for automatically retaining said contact members positively in retracted position, and. means operated by the movement of one member into retracted position for releasing the retaining means of the other member.

27. In a system of the character described, a stationary support carried by a part of the moving car, a plurality of contact members separately pivoted on sa d support, conductors arranged adjacent the road bed and in different relations with respect thereto and respectively cooperating with corresponding contact members, means arranged to be engaged. by the contact member occupying operative position for moving the same into retracted position, means for retaining the said members in retracted position, and means whereby when said member is moved into retracted position the other contact member is released and permitted to move into operative position with respect to its corresponding conductor.

28. In a system of the class described a plurality of separately pivoted contact members having their contact surfaces arranged to operate in different planes, at correspondlng plurality ol' conductors ies nrctively cooperating therewith, means normally opcrating upon each 01' said contact members to maintain the same in contact with its cooperating conductor, means for positively moving the contact members into retracted position, and independent means for retaining the retracted member in retracted position.

29. In a.system of the character described a plurality of separately pivoted contact members, a corresponding plurality of conductors arranged out of alinement with each other, means normally operating on each of saidv contact members for maintaining the same in operative contact with its correi l l i l l l each to maintain the same in contact position, and means for antomatieally moving said shoes out of contacting position.

31. In an electric traction system a plurality of current carrying conductors arranged at dillerent distances from the track rails, a contact apparatus carried by the car and including a correspomling plurality of separately pivoted contacts respectiwly cooperating with said conductors, means [or positively disengaging one of said contacts from its conductor, and means whereby when one contact member is disengaged from its conductor the other contact member is permitted to engage its cooperating conductor.

In w tness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this (5th day of September 1905, in the presence ol" the subscribing witnesses.

FRANK MEDLEY JAWES S. DOYLE. l [J ALM AR \VALLE RS'IED'I. lVitnesses GEORGE Knnoax, FRANK BOND. 

